Breast Cancer Awareness: A Gentle Reminder, A Powerful Call

Every October, our calendars quietly remind us that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But for so many of you—my patients, your families, your neighbors—this isn’t just a ribbon or a headline. It’s personal.

Maybe you’ve lost someone. Maybe you’re supporting a friend through treatment. Maybe you’re the one holding it all together, one day at a time, with quiet courage that no one sees. Or maybe—like many people—you’ve tuned out the pink campaigns over the years because it all starts to feel like noise.

I want to bring the focus back to you—your health, your body, and your peace of mind.

Let’s have a real conversation about breast cancer, not just the scary statistics, but what this awareness month should really mean for our everyday lives.

It’s Not Just About Cancer. It’s About Paying Attention to Our Bodies.

One of the most overlooked gifts we have is awareness—not just during October, but year-round. Breast cancer awareness isn’t about waiting for a problem to show up. It’s about staying connected to yourself, noticing changes, and listening to that quiet voice inside when something feels off.

Lumps. Thickening. Changes in the skin. Discharge. Pain. Swelling in the armpit. All of these are signs to take seriously, not just “wait and see.” Early detection saves lives. I’ve seen it firsthand.

But I also want to go deeper than checklists.

Your body is wise. If you’ve ever had a nagging sense that something isn’t quite right, don’t brush it off. You don’t need to have all the right words to explain it. You don’t need to feel embarrassed. You just need to bring it up.

That’s why I created Coupet Quality Clinic—to be the kind of place where your concerns are heard, your intuition is honored, and your care feels like a partnership.

For the Men Reading This: Don’t Tune Out

Yes, breast cancer predominantly affects women—but it can affect men too. And whether or not it ever touches your body, I guarantee it touches someone you love.

Men, your awareness matters.

Be the reminder, the encourager, the support system. And don’t forget that you have breast tissue too. If you notice anything abnormal, don’t wait to bring it up. I’ve had male patients wait far too long out of shame, thinking this “wasn’t for them.”

I’m telling you right now—it is.

For My Elders: Age Brings Wisdom, But It Doesn’t Make You Immune

I want to speak directly to my older patients for a moment. I’ve heard this sentence more times than I can count:

“Doc, I’m too old for all that testing now.”

But here’s the truth: breast cancer doesn’t stop at a certain age. In fact, your risk increases as you get older. If you’re in your 60s, 70s, or even 80s and feeling well, that’s exactly the reason to stay proactive.

You’ve worked hard for your health. Protect it.

And for those who may be facing multiple health concerns at once, I’ll always help you weigh the benefits and burdens of screening together. You deserve thoughtful, personalized care, not cookie-cutter decisions.

For My Survivors and Fighters: You Inspire More Than You Know

If you’ve gone through breast cancer—or are going through it now—I want you to hear this:

You’re not defined by your diagnosis.

You are not weak. You are not broken. You are not alone.

I see you. I see your strength, your fear, your quiet victories. I’ve seen the way you still show up for your family, how you keep working, laughing, praying, or simply putting one foot in front of the other. You are living proof that hope is real.

And for those of you walking alongside a loved one—thank you. The road of caregiving isn’t always visible, but it matters just as much.

What You Can Do Today

If there’s one thing I hope this blog reminds you of, it’s this: You don’t have to wait until something’s wrong to take care of yourself.

Here’s what I recommend:

• If you’re 40 or older, ask your doctor if it’s time for a mammogram.
• If you’re under 40, get familiar with your body and ask about your personal risk factors.
• Don’t ignore new symptoms—no matter how small.
• Share this message with someone you love. You never know who might need the reminder.

And if you don’t have a doctor who listens, who respects your instincts, or who makes you feel safe, it might be time to find a new one.

October is a good time to wear pink. But more than that, it’s a time to remember what pink really means—the women and men behind the ribbons, the families walking the hard roads, and the lives that can be saved when we pay attention.

I’m here for you, not just in October, but all year long.

I’m Dr. Coupet, The People’s Doctor.

Thanks for reading—and please take good care of yourself.

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